25th Anniversary Follow That Bird Edition!

But things like FTB, and others... all that stuff was junked and unless someone had a copy of something in their basement (Weird Al had a VHS of all the stuff cut from UHF, and that's the only reason it existed).

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Yeah I mean it's rather tragic that we've only recently realized the importance of preservation and all. Still, at least we are more aware of it now.

Yeah I mean it's rather tragic that we've only recently realized the importance of preservation and all. Still, at least we are more aware of it now.

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Of course, some things, as I recounted earlier, should be best left in the trash. Too bad that you only realize that when seeing a 20-30 minute featurette of unfunny alternate lines and the cast and crew tripping over the same prop and smiling like idiots... I like my outtakes at the end of a movie over the end credits (being a Jackie Chan fan and all).

That said, I'm sure there were some great stuff from FTB we may never see or hear about ever again. And it would have been great to see all the cut sequences from all the other Muppet movies (Statler and Waldorf in TMM and MTM for one).... but then of course, a lot of cut scenes are just lengthened pauses and exchanges that need not see the light of day... which basically covers half the DVD's I've ever seen (But why the heck did they cut the 7 second frame animated Oogie Boogie dance from Nightmare Before Christmas? It was animated).

You know, I just happened to put Elmo in Grouchland in my Netflix instant cue so my daughter could watch it via my Xbox 360. Imagine my surprise when I noticed that IT WAS IN WIDESCREEN! So I guess a widescreen print must be available, just not on DVD.

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My guess is that the DVD version is basically the VHS version with jump to a scene. It would be great to see it released during the 40th in a special edition with Wideframe too... (It ain't that bad of a movie... it ain't no FTB, but it ain't as bad as everyone made it out to be).

I'm glad they're releasing a widescreen FTB. While not perfect, it's still better that the full screen version. The cover is okay, but not as good as the poster art from the first one. I think it got changed so people don't think it's the same release. Anyway, I am definitely getting this DVD. I held off getting the first one only because I hate fullscreen versions of widescreen movies. Now, I can get it and enjoy the orignal composition.

you know what what would be cool, if there was an audio commentary with Carroll Spinney, director Ken Kwapis, and some other cast and crew members. I escpecially would like to hear how Ken Kwapis, took the approach of directing a children's film.

Hmm, I'm quite happy with the features, I think they're pretty good. I know I'm being awfully picky, but still don't like the idea of Elmo being on the cover. I don't mind the little guy, but he only appeared in Follow That Bird fer about 2 seconds, he wasn't even a core character at the time, WHY is he on the cover? But I know we've been over this, so yeah. Can't wait!

Hmm, I'm quite happy with the features, I think they're pretty good. I know I'm being awfully picky, but still don't like the idea of Elmo being on the cover. I don't mind the little guy, but he only appeared in Follow That Bird fer about 2 seconds, he wasn't even a core character at the time, WHY is he on the cover? But I know we've been over this, so yeah. Can't wait!

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this was mentioned already, but I think the reason he's one the cover is to get the attention of kids, who want to buy the movie, but to that's fale advertising, becuase then kids will be dissappointed that he's only in the movie for a few seconds.

becuase then kids will be dissappointed that he's only in the movie for a few seconds.

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Yeah but at that point, the parents have already spent their money, hehe.

I mean, I loved a certain movie when I was little, but then it got taped over. So my parents bought me a different version of the same story. At first I was really upset that it was different, and not what I wanted. But I eventually got over it and still enjoy it to this day.

Parents shouldn't be so concerned with catering to their kids' every whim. They should also introduce their kids to new things, so they don't grow up only caring about things in their little bubble. (That's the way many teenagers think today).

Hmm, I'm quite happy with the features, I think they're pretty good. I know I'm being awfully picky, but still don't like the idea of Elmo being on the cover. I don't mind the little guy, but he only appeared in Follow That Bird fer about 2 seconds, he wasn't even a core character at the time, WHY is he on the cover? But I know we've been over this, so yeah. Can't wait!

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I still think that's a pretty stupid move on SW's part...I know Elmo sells and all, but Ernie and Bert (especially Ernie) can too, and they had a much bigger part in the film. It's a branding thing if anything that Elmo's on the cover. I agree with what herald is saying, I do think some younger kids will notice an absence of Elmo... but hey, Elmo has his own movie. If kids would rather watch that, I mean, it's like 5 bucks at Target.

Though, I doubt that would seriously be issue enough with kids. it is an enthralling movie.

I agree with what herald is saying, I do think some younger kids will notice an absence of Elmo... but hey, Elmo has his own movie. If kids would rather watch that, I mean, it's like 5 bucks at Target.

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Well what I was saying was kids should be taught to be open to new things, not always given just the movie they want. That's not a good precedent to set. That's what many critics say about Sesame Street, that's it's too much about instant gratification. Life and learning won't always be that easy. I think it would be good for kids to be introduce to a movie that's outside of their comfort level, like Follow That Bird.

The other day I saw a mother and child trying to pick a tape in the store. The kid was insisting on Teletubbies. The mother was slightly annoyed because the kid had seen that video a million times. I admired that mother's resolve. Kids have to be introduced to new things; they can't always be given exactly what they want.

If I gave my kids everything they wanted when they wanted it I would have 4 very spoiled and disrespctfull kids on my hands. Wait a second i do have disrespectful kids on my hand, and I don't catter to there every I want!

Well what I was saying was kids should be taught to be open to new things, not always given just the movie they want. That's not a good precedent to set. That's what many critics say about Sesame Street, that's it's too much about instant gratification. Life and learning won't always be that easy. I think it would be good for kids to be introduce to a movie that's outside of their comfort level, like Follow That Bird.

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SST is a whole lot...gentler? Less conflict filled? Than it was back in my day for sure..I'm not sure if I would call that having more 'instant gratification' as I would being more PC so they don't risk getting yelled at by one crazy parent It is a shame...But learning did use to be harder on SST and have more of a plot, IMHO

The other day I saw a mother and child trying to pick a tape in the store. The kid was insisting on Teletubbies. The mother was slightly annoyed because the kid had seen that video a million times. I admired that mother's resolve. Kids have to be introduced to new things; they can't always be given exactly what they want.

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When I have a baby I am sidestepping that whole thing and not having them even see Teletubbies to began with

The other day I saw a mother and child trying to pick a tape in the store. The kid was insisting on Teletubbies. The mother was slightly annoyed because the kid had seen that video a million times. I admired that mother's resolve. Kids have to be introduced to new things; they can't always be given exactly what they want.

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What kid even still likes Teletubbies anymore? My local PBS hasn't even had it on its schedule for almost a year now.

But I get what you're saying. Though, I think FTB is a great movie for older SS watching kids. I mean, how many of them will get the "North by Northwest" reference? I didn't even get that until I saw it on TV a few years ago.

Here's something, though... according to the specifications, it has audio in Spanish, French and... Japanese! ? ! ? ! I am definately getting this now.. (man, do I wish the Tiny Toons DVD had a Japanese audio option).

The what reference? I don't even know what that is ...
Anyway, I don't think 'getting' references is a requirement for truly enjoying FTB at all. I've loved it since back when all I cared about was Telly and the honker in their car...Like any good movie it has layers...And even the topmost one is better than Teletubbies (which my PBS still shows, along with Barney)

SST is a whole lot...gentler? Less conflict filled? Than it was back in my day for sure..I'm not sure if I would call that having more 'instant gratification' as I would being more PC so they don't risk getting yelled at by one crazy parent It is a shame...But learning did use to be harder on SST and have more of a plot, IMHO

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Well this was a very skilled media expert from the '70s, he was really good, not a naysayer or anything. He just meant that Sesame Street (in the old days and today) always makes learning fun and the pace is pretty quick. Whereas in school, learning can take many years and it's not always fun. He was just concerned that it wasn't representing the way life will ultimately be.

When I have a baby I am sidestepping that whole thing and not having them even see Teletubbies to began with

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Amen!

Though, I think FTB is a great movie for older SS watching kids. I mean, how many of them will get the "North by Northwest" reference? I didn't even get that until I saw it on TV a few years ago.

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See I've just never been a believer of that. Kids always watch movies that are "too old" for them. And even though they have no idea what's going on, somehow they enjoy them anyway.

Well this was a very skilled media expert from the '70s, he was really good, not a naysayer or anything. He just meant that Sesame Street (in the old days and today) always makes learning fun and the pace is pretty quick. Whereas in school, learning can take many years and it's not always fun. He was just concerned that it wasn't representing the way life will ultimately be.

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The thing is learning does start out as fun in the beginning I think, and for me at least it is still fun and I love it. It is hard of course, but being hard does not always take all the fun out of things . I think I have SST to thank for teaching me that..or just Forgetful Jones, one of the two :3

The thing is learning does start out as fun in the beginning I think, and for me at least it is still fun and I love it. It is hard of course, but being hard does not always take all the fun out of things . I think I have SST to thank for teaching me that..or just Forgetful Jones, one of the two :3

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Oh it's great that you still find learning fun, it's a rare thing. I think in general kids don't associate conventional school with fun and resent hard work that takes time (I'm not ripping on kids, just saying, hehe). But I do think Sesame Street occasionally tried to make the point that an important task may take time, but it's worth it.

Thank goodness that the dumbing down of America is smartening up a little. Warner Bros. is releasing it WIDESCREEN? The way it was filmed? Why? Because every darned TV today is shaped that way anyway. Now just remember when you watch your old TV reruns on your widescreen TVs, you need to change the TV format so that it isn't stretched out.

This was a charming little film, and it's so good to see that it's being returned to its former glory. Extras are okay sometimes, but what's important is to get the actual film in top form.

Oh it's great that you still find learning fun, it's a rare thing. I think in general kids don't associate conventional school with fun and resent hard work that takes time (I'm not ripping on kids, just saying, hehe). But I do think Sesame Street occasionally tried to make the point that an important task may take time, but it's worth it.

On the right side it shows the cover for the 25th anniversary edition of Follow That Bird, along with Big Bird, the cover also features Oscar, The Count, Grover, Cookie Monster, and Elmo

Elmo's not even in this movie unless you count the few seconds when his head pops out of the window, Instead they could have Ernie, Bert, Telly, or Snuffleupagus, all of whom had larger roles in the movie

For the most part I like Elmo, even though I sometimes think he gets too much attention, but putting him on a cover of a movie he's not even in kinda bugs me